Foundation Degrees

What are they?

Foundation degrees are intermediate higher education qualifications equivalent to level 5 of the national qualifications framework. They are designed in conjunction with employers to meet their needs and expectations for qualifications at higher technician and associate professional levels.

What subjects do they cover?

Foundation degrees are available in a wide range of subjects, but there are some specifically designed for support staff; these include foundation degrees in classroom support, learning support and early years. A foundation degree can act as a stepping stone to a full honours degree or other professional qualification.

What are the entry requirements?

Colleges and universities decide their own entry requirements, which are likely to be set at level 3 on the NQF. However, many providers are willing to consider alternative combinations of qualifications and/or relevant experience.

How much time will I need to complete the qualification?

The pattern of study and time taken to complete the qualification vary from one course to another. They are designed for flexible delivery: for example, via the internet; or by distance learning, which makes them available to people already in work, unemployed people, or those wanting to embark on a career change.

Who provides the qualification?

Foundation degrees are awarded by universities and higher education colleges and can also be delivered by further education colleges. Because they are developed and delivered by consortia of higher and further education institutions, there will be local access to a range of foundation degrees in most parts of the country.

For a full list of providers and their foundation degree subjects, see the UCAS website (http://www.ucas.com/). Alternatively, further information about foundation degrees is available from the foundation degree website (http://www.foundationdegree.org.uk/). This website is designed to give quick and easy access to basic information about foundation degrees, and links to other useful information including course information.